The Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world, is on the brink of extinction. With fewer than 80 remaining in the wild in eastern Russia and northeastern China, the species faces numerous threats to its survival.¹
Despite conservation efforts, the species remains critically endangered. Here are the four main factors effecting their population:
1. Habitat Fragmentation
The Amur leopard’s habitat is fragmented and isolated, making it difficult for the animals to find food, shelter, and mates. This fragmentation is primarily caused by deforestation and the construction of infrastructure such as roads and dams.
The fragmentation also makes it challenging for conservationists to monitor and protect the species effectively (ref).
2. Poaching
Poaching is another significant threat to the Amur leopard’s survival. The species is highly prized for its fur and body parts, which are used in traditional medicine. The illegal wildlife trade is a major driver of poaching, and the Amur leopard is often targeted by organized crime groups.
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Conservation efforts have been implemented to combat poaching, including the establishment of protected areas and anti-poaching patrols.
3. Human-Wildlife Conflict
Human-wildlife conflict is a major issue for the Amur leopard. As the species’ habitat is fragmented, it often comes into contact with humans, leading to conflicts over resources. The Amur leopard is also vulnerable to human attacks, which can be fatal.
Conservation efforts are underway to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, including the establishment of corridors to connect fragmented habitats and the development of community-based conservation programs.
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4. Climate Change
Climate change is also having a significant impact on the Amur leopard population. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are altering the species’ habitat and affecting its food supply.
The Amur leopard is adapted to a specific climate and ecosystem, and changes to these conditions can have devastating effects on the population. Conservation efforts are focusing on adapting to climate change by identifying and protecting areas that are most resilient to these changes.
Source:
- https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2018/01/critically-endangered-amur-leopard-faces-new-threat
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.